The lyrics of the Fray's song "Vienna" ran melodiously through my head throughout my Vienna adventure as a soothing soundtrack. But as I saw the city for myself, I realized that there are no words that can properly capture the beauty of the city of Vienna. Stepping out of the metro or the "U" and into Stephansplatz square on Thursday evening, I was absolutely blown away. My aversion to the bitter cold was overtaken by the absolutely awe and amazement in lieu of the sights around me - the towering cathedral, the warmly lit storefronts, the men in traditional Viennese costume peddling Mozart concerts.
We wandered through the freezing rain and found ourselves a quirky little "Rosenberg Markt" restaurant. Not only were the staff members sporting liederhosen and traditional Viennese garb, but there was a huge spread of fresh Viennese delicacies: fresh fruits, thick bean soup, pastas and breads, chocolate cake, and Gruner Veltliner wine. Needless to say, we were quite satisfied with our chance selection.
After dinner, we were lucky enough to find a beautiful doubledecker Starbucks along the main drag near Stephansplatz. Although the price for a familiar taste of home was a bit pricier than usual, we couldn't help but indulge in the lovely taste treat. Just across the street from the Starbucks, the Vienna State Opera House was broadcasting an opera on a giant screen in the middle of the square.
Before long, my roommate Ashley and I hopped back on the U in search of our hotel for the evening. Although the directions indicated that the hotel was only 350 meters from the U stop, there was no indication of which direction to head in. After bracing the snowy cold for about 45 minutes, passing a few schnitzel stands, and asking 5 different people for directions, we made it! We crashed as soon as our heads hit the pillow.
We wandered through the freezing rain and found ourselves a quirky little "Rosenberg Markt" restaurant. Not only were the staff members sporting liederhosen and traditional Viennese garb, but there was a huge spread of fresh Viennese delicacies: fresh fruits, thick bean soup, pastas and breads, chocolate cake, and Gruner Veltliner wine. Needless to say, we were quite satisfied with our chance selection.
After dinner, we were lucky enough to find a beautiful doubledecker Starbucks along the main drag near Stephansplatz. Although the price for a familiar taste of home was a bit pricier than usual, we couldn't help but indulge in the lovely taste treat. Just across the street from the Starbucks, the Vienna State Opera House was broadcasting an opera on a giant screen in the middle of the square.
Before long, my roommate Ashley and I hopped back on the U in search of our hotel for the evening. Although the directions indicated that the hotel was only 350 meters from the U stop, there was no indication of which direction to head in. After bracing the snowy cold for about 45 minutes, passing a few schnitzel stands, and asking 5 different people for directions, we made it! We crashed as soon as our heads hit the pillow.
Friday was our day of true exploration. First off, we stopped in Cafe Central (at the brilliant suggestion of my father) where Austria's brilliant thinkers used to congregate for chess and brainstorming. With the high ceilings, the Old World furniture, historical paintings, strong coffee, and astoundingly fresh warm rolls, our breakfast at Cafe Central was truly unforgettable. A true breakfast of champions! I would say that a visit to Cafe Central is an absolute must while in Vienna.
Next, we made our way to Hofburg Palace - an absolutely gorgeous and HUGE piece of Austrian history. Along the way, we spotted dozens of horse-drawn carriages and horses with little earmuffs to ease the pain of the bitter cold. We couldn't help but smile at seeing this!
Ashley and I opted to take the tour of the Imperial Apartments in the Palace. There were what seemed to be thousands of different plates that the royals themselves used throughout history. Some were golden, others porcelain, many were detailed with intricate designs and seals. There were utensils that I did not even recognize! Ah, the luxuries of being a royal...
Next, we made our way to Hofburg Palace - an absolutely gorgeous and HUGE piece of Austrian history. Along the way, we spotted dozens of horse-drawn carriages and horses with little earmuffs to ease the pain of the bitter cold. We couldn't help but smile at seeing this!
Ashley and I opted to take the tour of the Imperial Apartments in the Palace. There were what seemed to be thousands of different plates that the royals themselves used throughout history. Some were golden, others porcelain, many were detailed with intricate designs and seals. There were utensils that I did not even recognize! Ah, the luxuries of being a royal...
The Sisi Museum of the Hofburg Palace was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The exhibit featured artifacts and photographs from the Empress Elizabeth's life, in a chronological account of her tumultuous life. I loved piecing together the story of this remarkable royal who had a difficult transition into her esteemed position. The exhibit intrigued me and made me anxious to further investigate the life of this deep character.
We spent the rest of the afternoon popping in and out of quaint Viennese shops. The selections varied from traditional to modern, from schnitzels to Swarovski crystals.
After a powernap back at the hotel, we met up with one my sister's friends from La Salle to go out on the town for the night. He and his friends are part of a year-long program in which they teach classes in local Viennese schools. It was nice to wander about with people who knew the little secrets and corners of the city. They took us to a hole-in-the-wall bar underground called "Zwoelf Apostelkeller" that we never would have found on our own! We knew that we were in for an authentic experience when we looked around to see groups of locals digging into schnitzels and sipping their lagers. We were quickly introduced to "Sturm" - a sweet and traditional Viennese wine. It was nice to chat with other Americans about their European experiences. They have only been here in Vienna for a month, but they spoke very highly of the people and the food and the atmosphere. We all came to the consensus that Target is one of the things that we miss most about America. It was refreshing to interact with some Americans in a foreign city and find some commonalities in our foreign experiences and struggles.
Vienna was an absolute gem of a city - classic and breathtaking. I love that, as I travel from city to city, each one has a distinctive personality. This one happened to embody old world sophistication and luxury...with some traditional schnitzel flair. There was so much to explore and to do in the city, but the best part was simply wandering around and taking in the surroundings.
We spent the rest of the afternoon popping in and out of quaint Viennese shops. The selections varied from traditional to modern, from schnitzels to Swarovski crystals.
After a powernap back at the hotel, we met up with one my sister's friends from La Salle to go out on the town for the night. He and his friends are part of a year-long program in which they teach classes in local Viennese schools. It was nice to wander about with people who knew the little secrets and corners of the city. They took us to a hole-in-the-wall bar underground called "Zwoelf Apostelkeller" that we never would have found on our own! We knew that we were in for an authentic experience when we looked around to see groups of locals digging into schnitzels and sipping their lagers. We were quickly introduced to "Sturm" - a sweet and traditional Viennese wine. It was nice to chat with other Americans about their European experiences. They have only been here in Vienna for a month, but they spoke very highly of the people and the food and the atmosphere. We all came to the consensus that Target is one of the things that we miss most about America. It was refreshing to interact with some Americans in a foreign city and find some commonalities in our foreign experiences and struggles.
Vienna was an absolute gem of a city - classic and breathtaking. I love that, as I travel from city to city, each one has a distinctive personality. This one happened to embody old world sophistication and luxury...with some traditional schnitzel flair. There was so much to explore and to do in the city, but the best part was simply wandering around and taking in the surroundings.
RSS Feed